In his most revealing interview since coming home, Skinstad tells SA Rugby magazine why he wants to make another contribution to the game.

“When I announced I was returning to rugby I read that I was too old, that I had a beer boep, that I was too fat and that the game had passed me by,” he says. “The only way to counter those reports was to start at the back and work my way up again.”

Skinstad, who picked up 8kg of muscle in two months, believes his experience gives him an edge over the younger generation.

“I knew I would be up against guys who were physically stronger and faster, but I also knew they were mentally younger. The gym can’t give you life experience and the quickest 40m time doesn’t give you wisdom.”

Skinstad also reveals what was said during chats with Dick Muir and Jake White last year, how living in London changed him and why his wife and five-month-old daughter have given his life balance.

Also in the new issue of SA Rugby magazine:

â€“ Why the High Performance Centre has failed

â€“ How John Plumtree has given the Sharks pack an edge

â€“ How the Sharks went from Super 14 chumps to potential champs

â€“ John Mitchell rates the Boks’ World Cup chances and gives Luke Watson some advice.